The voice fell.

Cheng Zhengdao's saluting movement froze, and his expression froze.

looked at the empress who seemed to be smiling in front of her.

His face was hard to see, and he said in a deep voice: "The rumors about the minister are just a trivial matter, and there is no need to make a big deal about it......

The implication is that it is not necessary to tell the world.

After a pause, he added: "As long as the rumor-mongers can be severely punished and the minister is innocent, the minister will be satisfied." ”

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he said solemnly:

"Cheng Saijiu is my great Confucian, and he is in charge of the supervision of the country's eunuchs, representing the face of the imperial court, and now he has been insulted like this, how can I turn a blind eye!

Announcing to the world is not only to calm down the rumors, but also to save the face of the national eunuch and even the imperial court! ”

These words are loud, well-reasoned and convincing.

Cheng Zhengdao listened, and his heart was cold.

Although it is said that the Qing is self-purifying, but at this time, the document to refute rumors is tantamount to three hundred taels of silver here.

Again.

This matter is only circulating in Chang'an Mansion now, and after it is announced to the world, the people of the world will know that the prince of the country is a priest of wine, and the great Confucian Cheng is righteous, and he has such an unusual hobby.

At that time.

He's the real faceless!

That's it.

Cheng Zhengdao's face was desperate, he raised his eyes to look at the empress, and his mouth trembled slightly.

"Minister...... Minister......"

I stuttered for a long time, but I couldn't say a word.

When Wu Mingkong saw this scene, his delicate face showed concern, and said, "What's wrong with Cheng Saijiu, do you want to summon the imperial doctor to take a look at you?" ”

"No...... Don't have to ......"

Cheng Zhengdao took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and waved his hand.

Seeing this, Wu Mingkong looked sympathetic, sighed, and scolded: "In order to study the classics of the saints and cultivate talents for the imperial court, Cheng Xijiu has worked hard all his life, and he does not dare to slack off, but at such an age, he has been insulted like this, and the person who spreads rumors is simply not a thing!" ”

“......”

When Cheng Zhengdao heard this, his expression became strange.

This moment.

He even had some doubts about whether the person who spread the rumors was His Majesty.

Just as he was about to thank him, the empress's voice sounded again.

"Cheng Saijiu rest assured, those who spread rumors will definitely be severely punished! I have petitioned the Ministry of Rites to strictly review the major newspapers in the capital, and there must be no similar situation again! ”

The voice fell.

Cheng Zhengdao was slightly stunned.

Strict scrutiny of major newspapers.

From now on, then, will he not be able to print in the newspapers the documents of his majesty's advice, as he did before?

After all.

Such an article, after being seen by the Ministry of Rites, will never be allowed.

That's it.

Cheng Zhengdao wanted to open his mouth to dissuade him.

However, before he could speak, he thought about what had happened to him today.

What I wanted to say was instantly stuck in my throat and I couldn't spit it out.

That's when it happened.

The empress's voice rang out again.

"I suddenly remembered that yesterday, a bookstore called Jinghua Pavilion in the capital had the audacity to publish an article criticizing the imperial court under the name of Cheng Saijiu, does Cheng Saijiu know about this?"

Wu Mingkong sat on the dragon chair, with a pair of peach blossom eyes, staring at Cheng Zhengdao.

Cheng Zhengdao noticed the empress's eyes, instantly understood everything, and fell silent.

This moment.

He had a lot going through his head.

The wise words of the first saints.

The article of exhortation.

and what happened today.

There was a long silence.

His expression gradually became firm, he looked at the empress, bowed his hand, and said: "Back to Your Majesty, the article in the Mirror Flower Pavilion is not a pretending to be the name of a minister. ”

When Wu Mingkong heard this, his expression sank, and he said coldly: "What does Cheng Saijiu mean by this?" ”

Cheng Zhengdao said word by word: "What the minister means is that the article was indeed made by the minister, in addition, the minister has a new understanding in the past two days, and the minister thinks it is ......."

The words are not finished yet.

The Empress interrupted him: "Why bother. ”

The sentence that had no beginning or end made Cheng Zhengdao's expression extremely serious.

At this moment, facing the calm empress.

His heart gradually calmed down, and he said: "The first holy word, the rich and noble cannot be lewd, the poor and the lowly cannot be moved, and the mighty cannot be bent. ”

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

However, noticing Cheng Zhengdao's firm expression, he felt that it was meaningless.

After being silent for a few breaths, a cold light burst out of his eyes, and he said coldly: "Guozi Priest Cheng Zhengdao fornicated with Yan Guo and sought danger for the community...... Come! Escort him to the heavenly prison and be interrogated by the three divisions! ”

The voice fell.

Cheng Zhengdao, who was originally extremely calm, was stunned.

In any case, he never thought that His Majesty would charge him with fornicating with Yan Kingdom.

Just because he was outspoken, he was treated like this by His Majesty.

first slandered him for being good at Longyang, and then convicted him of a trumped-up crime, which is simply ...... Shameless!

At the beginning, he thought that the new monarch would be different from the first emperor when he ascended the throne.

Who would have thought that the new monarch would be even more unbearable than the first emperor!

Reuse traitors, suppress virtuous ministers, and allow hundreds of officials to form parties for personal gain, in order to bribe the people, such a faint king, throughout the ages, has never been, and the great cadres and societies are ...... Jeopardy!

Come to think of this.

Cheng Zhengdao's face showed a look of grief and indignation, his eyes widened, staring at the empress, and said angrily: "Just because the courtiers are outspoken, they will convict the courtiers for trumped-up reasons!" This kind of behavior is no different from that of a faint king! ”

Faced with Cheng Zhengdao's indignant accusation.

Wu Mingkong looked extremely calm, waved his hand and said, "Hold on!" ”

The voice fell.

Someone stepped forward, grabbed Cheng Zhengdao, and dragged him out of the Heart Cultivation Palace.

Seeing this, Cheng Zhengdao finally realized that His Majesty was going to be serious.

Even if he was dragged out of the Heart Cultivation Palace, he was still scolding, one by one.

It wasn't until he was covered that he quieted down.

Behind the empress.

When Lin Wan'er saw this scene, she hesitated and asked, "Your Majesty, do you really want to ask about the sacrificial wine?" ”

Cheng Zhengdao, the son of the country, has no real power, but his protégés and former officials are all over the world, and he is the only few great Confucians in Daqian, and he is famous.

If he is charged with fornicating with the enemy's country, he will inevitably attract a lot of criticism.

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he turned his head to look at Lin Wan'er, and said coldly: "The prince of the country has violated the law, and he still asks for the crime, not to mention the sacrificial wine of the prince of the country." ”

"However, the status of the prince and the sacrificial wine in the hearts of the scholars is different after all, and although Cheng Zhengdao hates it, he does his best for the court on weekdays, and it is too strict to be judged by the three divisions......"

Lin Wan'er thought so in her heart, but she didn't say it, but just responded:

"Your Majesty Shengming, it's the slave who talks a lot."

In the face of Lin Wan'er's flattery, Wu Mingkong said coldly:

"I know what you think, it's just that I think Cheng Zhengdao is not guilty of this, but I tell you that he is a Confucian who doesn't understand government affairs, and the consequences of discussing the government and politics are far beyond your imagination.

Otherwise, why did Yan Guo's meticulous work risk being exposed, and that article would have to be published.

In normal times, I could have connived at his presumptuous discussions about the government, but I would have turned a blind eye to his advice.

However, now that the imperial court is in a critical moment, the army of 200,000 Yan is eyeing the city, and it is possible that troops will come to the city in the near future.

He dared to arrange me, arrange the square phase, and arrange the court at this time, if I didn't punish him severely, there would only be more similar things!

The imperial court will inevitably fall into turmoil! ”

Hearing this, Lin Wan'er's face showed a look of guilt, lowered her head, and said, "Your Majesty, it's the slave who is short-sighted. ”

Wu Mingkong didn't reproach, raised his eyes to look at her, and commanded:

"Spread my will, and order the Ministry of Rites to draw up a document to be published in the major newspapers to quell the rumors that have been circulating before."

"Then order the three divisions to be secretly interrogated, and don't let too many people know about Cheng Zhengdao's collaboration with the enemy."

Speaking of which, after a pause, he added:

"Send someone to tell Sun Zhengying, the secretary of the Criminal Department, that I don't plan to ask for Cheng Zhengdao's life, let him act cheaply."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Lin Wan'er looked solemn and saluted dignifiedly.

"Go ahead!"

"Slave and maid retire!"

Lin Wan'er saluted again and turned to leave.

As soon as she left, Shangguan Haitang came to the Heart Cultivation Palace.

"See Your Majesty!"

I heard Shangguan Haitang's cold voice.

The empress was slightly stunned, obviously she didn't expect her to enter the palace, and was silent for a few breaths before asking, "What's the matter?" ”

Shangguan Haitang said: "Your Majesty, the first Zhuang captured a batch of Yan Guo's fine works yesterday, and this is a letter found from them. ”

After speaking, he took out a letter from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

When Wu Mingkong heard this, his heart instantly lifted.

To know.

Before this, Shangguan Haitang had never taken the initiative to find her.

Now entering the palace for a letter shows that this letter is extraordinary!

Wu Mingkong took the letter from the palace maid's hand, opened it, and browsed it from top to bottom.

The more she looked at it, the more ugly her face became.

Seeing the end, she couldn't control her emotions, her delicate face was full of worry, she raised her eyes to look at Shangguan Haitang, and asked a little hurriedly: "Is this matter serious?" ”

The content of the letter is not much.

In short, it was Emperor Yan who decided to send more troops to attack Daqian.

In just three days, an additional 300,000 troops were dispatched.

Now, these 300,000 troops are besieging Wochuan City day and night.

The cadres of Wochuan City were about to be unable to resist.

In addition, it is to prepare the fine work who is ambushed in Chang'an to meet Ban Hongfei, the main general of the Yan army!

In ten days at most, Ban Hongfei will lead an army of 200,000 troops to Chang'an!

Shangguan Haitang replied: "Judging by the grass people, it is very likely that it is just a trick by Yan Guo to confuse the imperial court. ”

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he fell into deep thought.

Just now, because he was concerned about Fang Xiu's safety, his mind was a little confused.

At this moment, after calming down, I realized that the content of the letter could not stand up to scrutiny at all.

Let's not talk about whether the 300,000 Yan army can capture Wochuan Mansion.

It is said that Chang'an is still separated from Yongzhou by two vast prefectures, and even if Ban Hongfei is on the march, he may not be able to reach Chang'an within ten days.

Furthermore, there was no clear message in the letter.

There is no point in sending such a letter.

It may also expose Yan Jun's plans.

Since it's a trick to confuse.

Why did you show it to her?

That's it.

Wu Mingkong looked at Shangguan Haitang, his eyebrows frowned slightly, and he asked his doubts.

"In that case, why did you give me a look?"

Shangguan Haitang explained: "Such letters are found everywhere in Chang'an, many of which are seen by the people, in addition, there are also letters of persuasion and bribery, which were sent to the mansions of hundreds of officials by Yan Guo. ”

"The grass people thought that within three days, rumors would definitely spread in the capital, so they entered the palace to face the saint and inform Your Majesty of this matter, hoping that Your Majesty will prepare as soon as possible!"

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he also realized the seriousness of the problem.

The content of the letter does not stand up to scrutiny at all, and after a little thought, it is known that it is false.

But.

The vast majority of people do not have the ability to think, and when they see the content of the letter, they will most likely believe it.

As the saying goes, three people become tigers.

Once a rumor spreads, the people will believe it.

At that time, Chang'an City will inevitably fall into turmoil.

In addition, civil and military officials are also a trouble.

Although under Fang Xiu's purge, all the important positions in the imperial court are now officials of the main battle.

But no one knows these guys better than the empress, all of them are wall grass, and once they find that the situation is wrong, they will immediately change their attitude.

Even the members of the Fang Party would inevitably murmur when they saw the news of Fang Xiu's defeat and retreat.

Once someone sues for peace, without the support of the Fang Party, with her power in the court, she may not be able to control the situation.

That's it.

Wu Mingkong's face became even more solemn, he looked at Shangguan Haitang, and asked, "Do you have a way to deal with it?" ”

Shangguan Haitang shook his head and said in a deep voice: "So far, we can only remedy it." ”

When Wu Mingkong heard this, he wanted to accuse her, why did he only find out that Chang'an had ambushed so many Yan Guo's meticulous works now.

However, noticing her slightly guilty eyes, the words came to her lips, and she couldn't speak.

Since the establishment of the first village, Shangguan Haitang has not been idle for a moment.

Everything is done by hand.

She's done to the limit of what she can.

It would be too harsh for her to focus on Yan Guo, who had little intersection with the imperial court.

Again.

She is Fang Xiu's right-hand man, but she is not her own.

I am not in a position to accuse her.

Come to think of this.

Wu Mingkong sighed in his heart, looked at Shangguan Haitang, and said in a calm tone: "I will issue an order to transfer people from the palace, the criminal department, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and you will send them to clear the Yan State of Chang'an." ”

Shangguan Haitang stood upright and saluted: "Thank you, Your Majesty!" ”

Wu Mingkong nodded, and said: "I will take this matter to heart, you go down." ”

"The grass people are retired!"

Shangguan Haitang saluted again and turned to leave.

Wu Mingkong sat on the dragon chair, pondered for a long time, and ordered: "Let Sun Zhengying, the secretary of the Criminal Department, the Yushi Hairui of the Zuodu, and the shopkeeper of Zhufeng Xuan come to see me." ”

On the side, the palace maid was busy saying:

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

............

Following.

The sky was just dawning.

There were scattered diners walking towards Yin Renju.

It's June.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter.

Only in the early morning and late afternoon, you can still enjoy some coolness.

A breeze blows.

The diners walked into Yin Renju in twos and threes, and after finding a place to sit down, they began to chat.

Didn't talk for a while.

Suddenly, someone lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Have you heard?" ”

At the same table, the other two looked dazed and asked, "What did you hear?" ”

The diner replied in a deep voice:

"Imperial Court ...... Defeated! ”